Cheap Project? 1973 Datsun 240Z
It is often said that we only get what we pay for in life. Spending mere pennies on a classic car rarely results in a pristine vehicle finding its way into a buyer’s garage. That is undoubtedly the case with this 1973 Datsun 240Z. You will struggle to find a cheaper complete and original Z-Car project candidate in the current market, but the trade-off is that it requires total restoration. It has been left to fend for itself for over a decade, and the seller is firm on their price. Why not take a closer look to decide whether this is a restoration that you would consider tackling?
Datsun and Toyota dominated the Japanese automobile export market during the 1960s and 1970s, shipping vehicles to foreign shores that were typically small, cheap, and with exceptional build quality. Their offerings became popular in two-car households as economical daily drivers. Datsun broke the mold in 1970 when it introduced the 240Z to the North American market. It wasn’t the first vehicle of this type to appear from that nation, but it was more practical than its predecessor. Buyers took these cars seriously, and Datsun had a sales hit on its hands. This Orange 1973 model is largely unmolested, but time hasn’t been kind to it. The seller admits it has spent over ten years sitting outside and considering the weather extremes where it is located, the steel has paid a high price. There is visible rust in the lower extremities, including the rockers, rear quarter panels, and front fenders. The seller’s photos are low quality, making it impossible to determine whether the prone rear hatch opening has suffered the same fate. The floors also have a question mark hanging over them, although this interior shot with the carpet removed reveals no obvious issues. The trim and glass generally look pretty respectable, and it is refreshing to see that the car retains its factory steel wheels and hubcaps.
It is unsurprising that over a decade of exposure to unfiltered UV rays has exacted a toll on this Datsun’s interior. The door trims and quilted vinyl may be serviceable with a clean, but the shopping list will be extensive if it is to return to its former glory. It will include carpet, seatcovers, and a dashpad. That last item will be the most expensive, with reproductions typically retailing for over $800. It appears that the radio is AWOL, but that there are no other missing major items.
Part of the secret of the 240Z’s success came from its mechanical specifications. Datsun didn’t focus on slotting a mega-motor into the engine bay, choosing to breathe lightly on a 2.4-liter OHC six that saw service in some of its more sedate sedans. However, by blessing the car with surprisingly large brakes and four-wheel independent suspension, the 240Z was a total package. The motor would have produced 151hp and 146 ft/lbs of torque, and many buyers will welcome the first owner’s decision to hand shifting duties to a four-speed manual transmission in preference to the three-speed automatic that takes a significant edge off acceleration and driving enjoyment. This Datsun wouldn’t have threatened traditional muscle cars in a straight line but would have shown most a clean pair of heels on twisting roads. Considering this classic’s recent history, most readers will be unsurprised that this 240Z doesn’t run or drive. However, revival might be relatively straightforward if the engine turns freely. Even if it requires a rebuild, that process is typically quite inexpensive and relatively easy.
No classic deserves to be left exposed to the elements, but such has been the fate of this 1973 Datsun 240Z. It sends mixed messages regarding potential rust issues, and only an in-person inspection will reveal how deep these run. The seller has listed this Japanese diamond in the rough here on Craigslist in Mercer Island, Washington. They say that they are firm on their asking price of $5,500, raising the question of whether that figure is justified. The 240Z has been a market favorite for many years, but values have softened recently. It is unclear whether this represents a declining interest or a market correction that occurs occasionally. It is possible to buy some extremely tidy driver-grade examples for under $30,000, although there have been a few recent sales for less. Whether this build is financially viable depends on how extensive the rust problems are, and how hands-on the buyer is with their restoration. Do you agree?
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Comments
What you don’t know about rust on these cars could bite the buyer. Have derusted a couple of Zs and the time and money to do so are no small amounts. I think they are great cars and it’s a shame they were built with no rust protection from the factory.
Do those two words even go together? Cheap & Project.
Had a ‘72, same color, slotted mags, neoprene bushings, minor intake/exhaust mods. Loved the car, but as bobhess alluded to unseen deep rust is usually their grim reaper.
Hope it’s salvageable and goes to a good home.
I bought a rusty project once and never again. Not only is there the rust damage itself to contend with but it just makes working on everything, especially underneath, more miserable. And there are always serious hidden problems. You’re better off finding a project from a non rust state IMO.
There is one really scary picture in the CL ad that should cause great caution as mentioned above: it shows the rocker and door opening with some heavy rust that has been bondo’d over and is yet failing again. Means rockers, fenders and more will need serious attention. All that may be do-able, but then I see that it has a “branded” title, which means when you are all done restoring it, it will forever be heavily discounted in value. I hate it when that happens!
Ad says car has “branded title”. Anybody know what that means in Washington State?
If you ever have lusted after a 240Z and you live close, it would be worth a visit and inspection by a shop that knows what they are doing. This is one of those tweeners, either a bargain or a money pit. If someone on BF buys this, please us keep in the loop.
Likely more of a parts car unless you want to total resto and rebuild the chassis. These had serious rust problems with the front unibody horns that go to the front cross member. I strongly expect that, given the problems you can see that those will be gone too. To ever make it road worthy you’re going to have to strip it, dip it and do a heck of a lot of chassis restoration in addition to the body work you can see. Better to pay more for a sound starting place and work on mechanicals and interior than it is to start with something that is likely this bad.